The Battle of Manila Bay: May 1, 1898

1/1000-scale metal ship models from Houston's Ships were used with the You May Fire When Ready naval ruleset.

USS Olympia (flagship), USS Baltimore, USS Raleigh, USS Petrel, USS Concord, USS Boston.

Reina Cristina (flagship), Isla de Cuba, Isla de Luzón, Castilla, Don Antonio Ulloa, Don Juan de Austria, Velasco.

The map of the bay itself.

The Spanish shore batteries near Manila.

A view of the Spanish fleet anchored at Cavite.

Another shot at Cavite.

A mix of naval officers hear their briefings.

Pre-game instructions. Note the pontificating naval officer at left.

The first ships of the U.S. fleet steam into the bay.

The Spanish ships slowly build up their steam, and the first small vessel comes under U.S. fire.

The U.S. fleet is targeted by both the Spanish coastal batteries and the first Spanish ships out of Cavite.

The U.S.S. Olympia comes under fire.

The Spanish land batteries come under return fire.

The Spanish flagship, the Reina Cristina, comes under fire.

A bird's eye view of the beginning of the battle.

U.S. gunnery strikes a blow on the largest Spanish battery--a massive explosion takes it out.

Spanish ships attempt to form a ragged line under fire.

The first Spanish ship is overcome and sinks as the flagship is pummeled by two U.S. ships.

The Spanish flagship is sunk!

The U.S. fleet steams ahead, with the smaller vessels behind.

A view of the scattered Spanish fleet looking back towards Cavite.

Delicious water-soluble marker!

A lighter U.S. vessel is bracketed by plenty of Spanish fire.

A brutal face-off in the bay.

Another Spanish ship is lost.

Late in the battle, the heaviest U.S. ships steam towards Cavite, around the stricken Spanish fleet.

The last Spanish survivors vainly attempt to flee towards the mouth of the bay, under heavy fire.

This is the end. A small Spanish ship is pulverized at close range.